Toothache

A painful tooth gets worse if you don’t find out what’s causing it and address the issue promptly. With advanced diagnostic services at Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, the team of dentists can explore the possibilities and treat your toothache at their state-of-the-art office. Call Hendricks Dental Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a toothache?

Toothache is a term for a painful tooth or pain around a tooth. Whether you feel pain when you bite down or have constant pain, the experts at Hendricks Dental Specialists explore all possibilities of the underlying cause and can direct you to the treatment you need. 

Some causes of toothache are minor and may not require any professional care. Other conditions that cause tooth pain need treatment and will only worsen until you address them. 

Toothaches usually originate in the nerve of a tooth, which is inside the pulp (soft tissue). The nerves inside teeth are some of the most sensitive of any nerves in your body, so it isn’t hard to irritate them. 

Which conditions cause toothache?

The team at Hendricks Dental Specialists uses a basic exam to look for the cause of your toothache. They might also inquire about your oral health history and review digital X-rays for signs of an oral health complication you can’t see.

Your toothache might come from:

• Popcorn pieces and other objects stuck between teeth
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Tooth decay
• Tooth abscess
• Infected or inflamed pulp
• Gum infection
• Tooth fracture
• Damaged filling
• Tooth eruption (coming out of the gums)

The team also asks about any other symptoms that come with your painful tooth, including sensitivity to extreme temperatures or unusually bad breath. 

How can I get rid of a toothache?

To get rid of a toothache, you need to address the underlying cause. If it’s something as simple as a piece of food lodged between your teeth, you might be able to floss it out on your own. Your dentist can help with getting larger objects out from between your teeth, too. 

Other treatments that might be necessary to resolve your tooth pain are:

• Root canal therapy
• Fillings, inlays, or onlays
• Gum therapy
• A dental crown

The Hendricks Dental Specialists team might have other recommendations to follow at home that may relieve a current toothache or prevent new toothaches, like brushing more often, avoiding smoking, or using a saltwater rinse. 

As soon as you notice a toothache, it’s time to see your dentist. Schedule an appointment by calling Hendricks Dental Specialists or booking one online today.